On The Cover: Jason Michael Carroll

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Label: Arista Nashville
Current Album: Growing Up Is Getting Old
Current Single/Video: “Hurry Home”
Current Producer: Don Gehman
Hometown: Youngsville, NC
Management: Red Light Management
Booking: Creative Artists Agency
Recent Hits: “Hurry Home” and the Top 10 “Where I’m From” are the first two hit singles from his sophomore album, Growing Up Is Getting Old.
RIAA Certifications: Gold Mobile Mastertone, “Livin’ Our Love Song”
Special TV/Film Appearances: Good Morning America, 2009 CMT Music Awards
Birthday: June 13
Interesting Facts: Carroll’s single, “Hurry Home,” addresses the subject of runaways, and the music video includes a closing tag bringing attention to the work and services of the National Runaway Switchboard (1-800-RUNAWAY). During Carroll’s childhood, his aunt was a runaway.
Outside Interests: Family time with his wife and four children; motorcycle riding
Musical Influences: Garth Brooks, George Strait, Billy Ray Cyrus, Radney Foster, Aerosmith and tons of the big hair ‘80s rock.
Charities: Brittany’s Battle Foundation, National Runaway Switchboard

Jason Michael Carroll grew up in North Carolina as the son of a preacher, in a strict household that did not allow secular music. However, through friends and later his job in a motor shop, Carroll immersed himself in music and found himself drawn to country. After winning a radio station’s karaoke contest, Carroll was asked to join a local country band in need of a singer. He began paying his dues in clubs, and his mother, who was by then encouraging his dream, signed him up for a televised talent show in Raleigh/Durham. He won, and the visibility opened doors that led to being able to work with producer Don Gehman.

Carroll’s debut album, Waitin’ in the Country, has reached nearly a half-million in sales and also boasts three hit singles (all of which he wrote or co-wrote), as well as a Gold ringtone certification for “Livin’ Our Love Song.” The new artist has opened for top acts such as Brooks & Dunn, Trace Adkins, Alan Jackson, and also became part of the 2008 tours of Carrie Underwood and Martina McBride. He was also featured on Good Morning America, the CMA Music Festival and the Grand Ole Opry.

Carroll’s latest album, Growing Up Is Getting Old, was released in April 2009 and produced by Don Gehman, who is known for his work with Hootie and The Blowfish, John Mellencamp, Tracy Chapman and R.E.M. The album fulfills the promise of his first record and takes his career a big step forward. “You have a responsibility to your fans,” Carroll says, “not only to record songs that are hits but also to record songs that mean something to you and convey to your fans who you are.” Carroll’s songs aptly depict him as country’s Gen-Y family man, reflecting his generation’s transition from party to parenthood. His life experiences, including tension between experience and responsibility, and the hard-won wisdom that grows out of the maturing process have always infused the music he makes.